**Official** Star Wars at DHS, Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party/Galactic Nights/Launch Bay/JT

[soniam]

So now I'm feeling guilty about doing the Tour on Wednesday....

You shouldn't feel guilty. Everyone has as much right as you to choose to do the tour or not, assuming it's available when they decide. It's not the fault of the attendees about the way it's organized.

 

[soniam]

Just to add a bit to doing the party on a tour night... I can only speak to what transpired on the evening I attended with a tour group.

• First, you get hit with the yeah you paid for what you thought was exclusive access to a special event party but surprise you aren't so special. Even though we were the first to arrive at the event area, the CM with a look of don't blame me informs us there is another group coming and whatever time they get here you have to give them a 15 minute head start. You are now second tier to them. The CM told us it was out of his control, he didn't like it and it was out of the event managers control. No mention of that in the online signup.
  
  
• When the tour group arrived they parted the seas and the group went in and instantly they took on the persona that the party was for them and that somehow we were allowed to come join them later. Much like fastpass would work at such an event you get to fight for lesser spaces as if we were standby. By the time we entered not only were all the tables gone, but many of the tour group were back in line ahead of us for seconds and thirds.
  
  
• The children in the tour were now filled with sugar and armed with light sabers in a free for all space. So careful how you carry those drinks or that plate of desserts back to whatever space you can find because the higher tables are gone and only a few wheelchair accessible height tables remained if you were lucky enough to get one of those.
  
  
• On the evening we attended there was pretty much no interaction with the storm troopers whereas when we attended this same party before with no tour there was considerable interaction.
  
  
• Most of the tour group on the evening we attended did not wander out and filled the main party area for the majority of the evening.

I get the hard ticket perks of paying for exclusive areas and events. This however didn't quite fit the expectation setup by the advertising. At no other dessert party that I'm aware of (and I have attended all I know of) do you have to wait unexpectedly while some other group gets first dibs. You may have better luck. Maybe the tour group the night you are there doesn't take on the persona they did when we attended, but I would be more surprised if they didn't. Dollar for dollar who pays more for the dessert party? By every calculation I can try to glean from the figures the dessert party only guest are the ones with the higher contribution. Bet they wouldn't sell that tour package without the dessert party for $52. My point is not to run down the tour, by all means if that's your thing do it. The problem is in VIP guest experience management. The tour should either have a separate reserved area or just let everyone in at the same time.

I made my experience known to guest services. Guest services responded with compensation and the promise to forward my concerns and experience. I will not book again on a tour night nor do schedule alterations and dodging to avoid it.

Does everyone have the same access to the viewing area? Or are the tour participants allowed into the viewing area before the rest of the party guests?

 

[GoofysNCCrew]

Does everyone have the same access to the viewing area? Or are the tour participants allowed into the viewing area before the rest of the party guests?

The tour group on the night we attended was called together first and led to the front of the line to go out. So in our case, yes they had first access there as well. There is plenty of great viewing spots in the area and I personally think it is better to stand back a little because the show is so "wide". Different people may have different viewpoints on that though.

 

[GoofysNCCrew]

So now I'm feeling guilty about doing the Tour on Wednesday....

Don't feel guilty just thank the SWaGS only guest for throwing you guys such a great party! Just kidding, as was said before it's not your fault for the setup.

 

[soniam]

The tour group on the night we attended was called together first and led to the front of the line to go out. So in our case, yes they had first access there as well. There is plenty of great viewing spots in the area and I personally think it is better to stand back a little because the show is so "wide". Different people may have different viewpoints on that though.

We have done this party before, but we left too late and our view was blocked by trees. We are mainly doing this so that our son can see the show. He hasn't seen the new show yet. If you left early, would you be allowed into the viewing area ahead of the tour group?

Having somewhere to set our plates and cups would be nice. Were all of the tables taken by the tour group? We don't mind sharing a table with several people, but I imagine the tour group might not like sharing. I think I remember some walls around that maybe we could set stuff on. There used to be tables outside in a little courtyard that no one really wants. Did they still have those?

Thanks for the info.

 

[PghDisneyDarling]

So I had no clue that tours were allowed into the party earlier than just party guests, and they are also allowed first choice at spots in the viewing area? This is making me think about just saving our money and cancelling.

Is there any way the extra $100 for the tour is worth it just to have that preferred access to the party? The only thing that we would enjoy during the tour would be riding Star Tours, and we already are planning a FP for that. My boyfriend is not a character meeting person, and 5 hours of a tour just to be carted around HS does not sound fun to me. I feel like that would just eat up our day.

Is a tour group being there first really that bad? As long as I can get a few drinks, try all of the snacks, and have a good view of the fireworks, I think I would be okay, but I also would hate to feel second to another group of people when this is our "special thing" for this trip.

Anyone have a good experience on a tour day that they could share?

 

[GoofysNCCrew]

We have done this party before, but we left too late and our view was blocked by trees. We are mainly doing this so that our son can see the show. He hasn't seen the new show yet. If you left early, would you be allowed into the viewing area ahead of the tour group?

Having somewhere to set our plates and cups would be nice. Were all of the tables taken by the tour group? We don't mind sharing a table with several people, but I imagine the tour group might not like sharing. I think I remember some walls around that maybe we could set stuff on. There used to be tables outside in a little courtyard that no one really wants. Did they still have those?

Thanks for the info.

I didn't walk the entire area so I can't tell you about outlying tables or areas. I can tell you only a couple of low tables were available in the main area (close to the bar and food) for guests of the party only, so they went quickly. On the night we were there, you wouldn't have been able to share a table with the tour group people because there was just no space at them. You also wouldn't have wanted to because there were lots of tanked up little Jedis practicing their newly acquired skills running among and underneath the tables. In addition the way the tour groups guides were stationed gave off the impression you weren't supposed to mingle into their group. So as I said in my original post, it was kinda like being standby at the event and you get to fight for what is left.

As to leaving early and being allowed into the viewing area, I can't answer that. On a non-tour night you definitely can. But since we were held up from entering the party until the tour was in and settled, you may not be allowed in the viewing area until after their group.

 

[GoofysNCCrew]

So I had no clue that tours were allowed into the party earlier than just party guests, and they are also allowed first choice at spots in the viewing area? This is making me think about just saving our money and cancelling.

Is there any way the extra $100 for the tour is worth it just to have that preferred access to the party? The only thing that we would enjoy during the tour would be riding Star Tours, and we already are planning a FP for that. My boyfriend is not a character meeting person, and 5 hours of a tour just to be carted around HS does not sound fun to me. I feel like that would just eat up our day.

Is a tour group being there first really that bad? As long as I can get a few drinks, try all of the snacks, and have a good view of the fireworks, I think I would be okay, but I also would hate to feel second to another group of people when this is our "special thing" for this trip.

Anyone have a good experience on a tour day that they could share?

I will try to answer this the best I can because what you are looking for may be different than what my expectations were.

Will you be able to "get a few drinks, try all of the snacks, and have a good view of the fireworks" yes.

Will the party be worth the $69. + tax price tag the same price tag you pay on a non-tour night. IMHO ...no.

Will you feel exclusive... marginally if at all, again IMHO.

I'm not sure if that answers your questions, eases your mind or is just more food for thought. In this case, the viewpoint of the guest is the one that matters the most. I believe that viewpoint has been misjudged by the manager(s) who made the decision to allow the tour early entry. It may not sound like a big deal, but to the guest experiencing it on a hard ticket event it can be. The opinions I would value the most are guests who have experienced it both ways. So, perhaps others who have can weigh in.

 

[lchuck]

So now I'm feeling guilty about doing the Tour on Wednesday....

I'll echo what others have said, definitely don't feel guilty! I'm looking forward to hearing about your tour experience as we're scheduled to do that 2 weeks from tomorrow and I'm pretty excited for it.

 

[iona]

So I had no clue that tours were allowed into the party earlier than just party guests, and they are also allowed first choice at spots in the viewing area? This is making me think about just saving our money and cancelling.

Is there any way the extra $100 for the tour is worth it just to have that preferred access to the party? The only thing that we would enjoy during the tour would be riding Star Tours, and we already are planning a FP for that. My boyfriend is not a character meeting person, and 5 hours of a tour just to be carted around HS does not sound fun to me. I feel like that would just eat up our day.

Is a tour group being there first really that bad? As long as I can get a few drinks, try all of the snacks, and have a good view of the fireworks, I think I would be okay, but I also would hate to feel second to another group of people when this is our "special thing" for this trip.

Anyone have a good experience on a tour day that they could share?

Don't forget that the tour isn't on every day. If it fits in your plans the easiest way to alleviate your concerns might be to book on a non-tour day.

 

[HCinKC]

So now I'm feeling guilty about doing the Tour on Wednesday....

You shouldn't feel guilty! Obviously, part of the set up is out of attendees control. But you can control how you treat other people. It sounds like some of the bad experiences are due in part to poorly behaved guests. Those people would act that way regardless of priority entry. I know it's Disney, fun, a party, etc, but I can't imagine letting my kids run around an eating area having light saber fights. I am also the kind of person who tries to free up a table (or in a mingling case, at least part of a table) when I am finished eating. Sounds to me like courteous tour guests would make a difference on these nights.

 

[jods]

I will try to answer this the best I can because what you are looking for may be different than what my expectations were.

Will you be able to "get a few drinks, try all of the snacks, and have a good view of the fireworks" yes.

Will the party be worth the $69. + tax price tag the same price tag you pay on a non-tour night. IMHO ...no.

Will you feel exclusive... marginally if at all, again IMHO.

I'm not sure if that answers your questions, eases your mind or is just more food for thought. In this case, the viewpoint of the guest is the one that matters the most. I believe that viewpoint has been misjudged by the manager(s) who made the decision to allow the tour early entry. It may not sound like a big deal, but to the guest experiencing it on a hard ticket event it can be. The opinions I would value the most are guests who have experienced it both ways. So, perhaps others who have can weigh in.

This definitely is food for thought for me. I'm doing it for a good spot to see fireworks but also as something special for my sons. I want them to feel like it's something special. If they're not going to get that feeling it may not be worth it to me. A non tour day doesn't fit my schedule either.

 

[yulilin3]

This definitely is food for thought for me. I'm doing it for a good spot to see fireworks but also as something special for my sons. I want them to feel like it's something special. If they're not going to get that feeling it may not be worth it to me. A non tour day doesn't fit my schedule either.

the way each person feels is personal.
This discussion on the tour people with the dessert party people reminds me of an episode of Modern Family where they go to Vegas and Jay gets the Excelsior package and starts feeling like he is a true VIP but then finds out there's an Excelsior Plus and one above that one, then he doesn't feel quite so special.
The dessert party in itself is quite special, you are in a roped off area, visible to everyone else, the desserts and drinks can be seen by everyone but not everyone will get to partake so it is exclusive to those attending, the fact that the tour people go in first shouldn't really take away from your party, there will still be a table and drinks and desserts for you.
But to each they're own, so do what feels best for you and your family

 

[NuJoy]

I know it's Disney, fun, a party, etc, but I can't imagine letting my kids run around an eating area having light saber fights.

When I went to get drinks, it was the VIP guides that were playing light sabers with the kids. I get the feeling the guides have a hand in how the guests act as well as perpetrating the idea that everything is set up for them. Not necessarily the guests' fault for believing, and therefore, acting that way.

 

[jods]

the way each person feels is personal.
This discussion on the tour people with the dessert party people reminds me of an episode of Modern Family where they go to Vegas and Jay gets the Excelsior package and starts feeling like he is a true VIP but then finds out there's an Excelsior Plus and one above that one, then he doesn't feel quite so special.
The dessert party in itself is quite special, you are in a roped off area, visible to everyone else, the desserts and drinks can be seen by everyone but not everyone will get to partake so it is exclusive to those attending, the fact that the tour people go in first shouldn't really take away from your party, there will still be a table and drinks and desserts for you.
But to each they're own, so do what feels best for you and your family

I get that it is still something special but after paying a lot I dont want my kids to get upset that we're waiting to go in and they can't until a large group does first and then the same thing happens with fireworks.

 

[yulilin3]

I get that it is still something special but after paying a lot I dont want my kids to get upset that we're waiting to go in and they can't until a large group does first and then the same thing happens with fireworks.

ok, but do they get upset when you are in a standby line and fp people whiz by you and ride first?
You can simply explain to them that you just have to wait 10 more minutes or maybe go meet the Jawas or another SW character while you wait

 

[jods]

ok, but do they get upset when you are in a standby line and fp people whiz by you and ride first?
You can simply explain to them that you just have to wait 10 more minutes or maybe go meet the Jawas or another SW character while you wait

No, they don't. I'm paying extra for this (a lot imo) and I think that's the difference to me. I don't necessarily agree with how it's handled by disney either, but it is what it is. I think disney should have this info on their site. I'm glad I have a heads up so I can make an informed decision. I would be upset if it happened and I had no idea. I don't want my kids to have a lesser experience because the tour is there. I'm sure they will have fun but I don't known if it's worth the 300 on a tour date. If I decide it's not I will cancel. This was going to be a surprise for them so they don't even know about it.

 

[yulilin3]

No, they don't. I'm paying extra for this (a lot imo) and I think that's the difference to me. I don't necessarily agree with how it's handled by disney either, but it is what it is. I think disney should have this info on their site. I'm glad I have a heads up so I can make an informed decision. I would be upset if it happened and I had no idea. I don't want my kids to have a lesser experience because the tour is there. I'm sure they will have fun but I don't known if it's worth the 300 on a tour date. If I decide it's not I will cancel. This was going to be a surprise for them so they don't even know about it.

Again a personal decision and you do have the upper hand on this since you are informed. Disney should change how this is done but like you said, at the moment, it is what it is.
I think my point is that you won't have a lesser experience, you will enjoy the same things as if the tour wasn't there. It's all in the attitude you bring into it.
You will have guests, be it on the VIP tour or not, behaving badly, it happens every where but it's your choice on how to react to it.

 

[NuJoy]

ok, but do they get upset when you are in a standby line and fp people whiz by you and ride first?
You can simply explain to them that you just have to wait 10 more minutes or maybe go meet the Jawas or another SW character while you wait

I'd be upset if I paid extra for the exclusiveness of fast pass just to then show up and be told that not only do I not have exclusive access, I have to wait while another group gets 15 minutes head start to the first and best, which is what is happening in the party situation. I totally get why I can't be with the fast pass group if I have not secured access to that line as a stand-by guest. We are talking bait-and-switch; and that is the issue.

 

[yulilin3]

I'd be upset if I paid extra for the exclusiveness of fast pass just to then show up and be told that not only do I not have exclusive access, I have to wait while another group gets 15 minutes head start to the first and best, which is what is happening in the party situation. I totally get why I can't be with the fast pass group if I have not secured access to that line as a stand-by guest. We are talking bait-and-switch; and that is the issue.

I really do get that.
My point is that, depending on your reaction to the situation you can either have a great time regardless, because they are not limiting your food drink intake or your viewing area since everyone fits inside of it, or become so upset that the party now has no value to you.
Again, Disney should organize this better and people that have dome the party during the VIP tour and felt "less than" should write them an email.
But now knowing what you know you can make an informed decision.
If you feel that having the VIP tour go in before you will negatively impact your experience, to the point where you feel less valued than go ahead and cancel, that's fine
EDIT TO ADD: Disney is still delivering what they promised, certain amount of time in the dessert party plus a reserved viewing area